Health policy 1993.

The Health Policy of the Transitional Government is the result of a critical examination of the nature, magnitude and root causes of the prevailing health problems of the country and awareness of newly emerging health problems. It is founded on commitment to democracy and the rights and powers of the people that derive from it and to decentralization as the most appropriate system of government for the full exercise of these rights and powers in our pluralistic society.
In general, health development shall be seen not only in humanitarian terms but as an essential component of the package of social and economic development as well as being an instrument of social justice and equity. Pursuant to the above the health policy of the Transitional Government shall incorporate the following basic components: 1. Democratization and decentralization of the health service system; 2. Development of the preventive and promotive components of health care; 3. Development of an equitable and acceptable standard of health service system that will reach all segments of the population within the limits of resources; 4. Promoting and strengthening of intersectoral activities; 5. Promotion of attitudes and practices conducive to the strengthening of national self-reliance in health development by mobilizing and maximally utilizing internal and external resources; 6. Assurance of accessibility of health care for all segments of the population; 7. Working closely with neighbouring countries, regional and international organizations to share information and strengthen collaboration in all activities contributory to health development including the control of factors detrimental to health; 8. Development of appropriate capacity building based on assessed needs; 9. Provision of health care for the population on a scheme of payment according to ability with special assistance mechanisms for those who cannot afford to pay; 10. Promotion of the participation of the private sector and nongovernmental organizations in health care.
The Priorities of the Policy are: Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C) of health shall be given appropriate prominence to enhance health awareness and to propagate the important concepts and practices of self-responsibility in health. Emphasis shall be given to: the control of communicable diseases, epidemics and diseases related to malnutrition and poor living conditions; the promotion of occupational health and safety; the development of environmental health; the rehabilitation of the health infrastructure; and the development of an appropriate health service management system. Intersectoral collaboration shall be emphasized particularly in: enriching the concept and intensifying the practice of family planning for optimal family health and planned population dynamics; formulating and implementing an appropriate food and nutrition policy; accelerating the provision of safe and adequate water for urban and rural populations; developing safe disposal of human, household, agricultural and industrial wastes and encouragement of recycling; developing measures to improve the quality of housing and work premises for health. Promotive and Preventive activities shall address: Prevention of environmental pollution with hazardous chemical wastes.